The Visiting Nurse Association

Assessing all of the prescriptions, over-the counter medications, and supplements you have for duplications or potentially dangerous drug interactions.

Coordinating with your physician and pharmacist to ensure you're taking the exact medications needed for your optimum care.

Providing education for you and your family on proper dosages and the best time each day to take different medicines.

Assisting you in setting up and refilling a medication dispenser to reduce errors. We also teach family members how to use these dispensers.

Round-the-clock telephone access (including Holidays) to a VNA nurse who can answer questions and help alleviate concerns.

Regularly reviewing all patient charts to ensure medications are in compliance with the patient's care plan.

When it comes to managing your medications, the VNA's experienced nurses understand how confusing it can be, not only for you but also your loved ones. This is especially true for patients just coming out of the hospital, elderly patients, and patients with multiple doctors and/or prescriptions. Your VNA nurse will make sure you are taking the medications your doctor wants you to be taking, and taking them in a way that best benefits your health.

Prescription drugs can provide healthful, even life-saving benefits. But without careful management, the same medications can also cause problems, including serious interactions with other drugs and unnecessary hospitalizations. The statistics for medication-related problems in the U.S. are staggering: at least 1.5 million preventable adverse drug events each year, resulting in 7,000 deaths and costs exceeding $170 billion, according to the Institute of Medicine.